Examination Questions on Romeo and Juliet

Question: What is the dramatic purpose of Friar Laurence's first soliloquy?

Answer:I. To reveal his character. II. To reveal
the ethical motive of the play, viz., that any quality or emotion of man, no matter how good it may
be, if developed to excess, or perverted to a mistaken or base purpose, becomes destructive.

How to cite this article:
Fleming, William H. How to Study Shakespeare. New York: Doubleday and Co., 1898. Shakespeare Online. 10 Aug. 2010. (date when you accessed the information) < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/romeo/questions/friarsolil.html >.